From circular paths to elliptic orbits: A geometric approach to Kepler's motion

The hodograph, i.e. the path traced by a body in velocity space, was introduced by Hamilton in 1846 as an alternative for studying certain dynamical problems. The hodograph of the Kepler problem was then investigated and shown to be a circle, it was next used to investigate some other properties of the motion. We here propose a new method for tracing the hodograph and the corresponding configuration space orbit in Kepler's problem starting from the initial conditions given and trying to use no more than the methods of synthetic geometry in a sort of Newtonian approach. All of our geometric constructions require straight edge and compass only.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure

Impact of 3D EM model configuration on the direct optimization of microstrip structures

We apply the classical Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm to a low fidelity EM model, using different mesh and bounding-box configurations. We demonstrate that the interaction of the coarse mesh with the bounding box size can determine whether the optimization is successful or not.ITESO, A.C.Intel Lab

EM simulation of a low-pass filter based on a microstrip defected ground structure using COMSOL

We perform EM simulations of a lowpass microstrip filter consisting of a crossjunction open stub and two unit sections implemented as defected ground structures (DGS). The defect introduced by unit sections corresponds to an etched lattice on the copper backside ground plane. The filter presents wide and deep attenuation characteristics in the stopband. Different model implementations were carried out with the aim at evaluating the computational costs versus accuracy. Simulations of a high-fidelity model are in good agreement with experimental data reported in a previous paper. COMSOL simulation settings, enclosing box, computational costs, and simulation times for the considered models are provided.ITESO, A.C.Intel Guadalajara Design Cente

Physiological responses in a simulated canarian wrestling contest

La Lucha Canaria (LC) ha sido recientemente reconocida como deporte por el Consejo Superior de Deportes, aunque su origen se pierde en el tiempo. Sin embargo, no hay ningún trabajo en la bibliografía científica que describa qué ocurre fisiológicamente durante la competición en esta modalidad de lucha, y éste es el objetivo del presente trabajo. Con una muestra de 12 luchadores de alto nivel (puntales) simulamos el sistema de competición actual en Lucha Canaria. Se estudió la frecuencia cardiaca, la tensión arterial y la concentración de lactato en sangre en diferentes momentos de la simulación. Los patrones observados de respuesta de FC, TA y lactato, caracterizan a la competición en LC como un ejercicio intermitente, con picos de intensidad que superan el umbral láctico y determinan incrementos importantes de FC y TA sistólica. Este estudio es el primero en que se valora la respuesta fisiológica del luchador canario en competición.The aim of this article is to describe what happens from a physiological point of view in a Canarian Wrestling (CW) contest. The Spanish National Sports Council recognized Canarian Wrestling as a sport on June 1st, 2009, although its origin is not very well documented. No scientific article exists in the scientific literature to describe what happens physiologically during a CW contest. Twelve high level wrestlers were recruited to simulate a CW match. The study involved data about heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and blood lactate levels (L) at different moments of the combat. The conclusions of the data observed concerning HR, BP and L classify Canarian Wrestling as an intermittent exercise, with intensity peaks that exceed the lactic threshold and high levels of HR and systolic BP. This is the first paper in which the physiological responses in a Canarian Wrestling competition are reported

In vitro antiatherogenicity of extracts from Halimeda incrassata seaweed: antioxidant activity and smooth muscle cell migration studies

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro atheroprotective potential of the seaweed Halimeda incrassata in smooth muscle cell migration and lipoprotein oxidation in relation to its antioxidant activity. Material and methods: Antioxidant activity was determinate by DPPH• radical scavenging assay and ORAC method. The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on LDL oxidation mediated by Cu2+ ions was determinate by TBARS and conjugated diene quantification. The effect of the seaweed aqueous extract on smooth muscle cell migration was evaluated in MOVAS-1 mouse aortic smooth muscle cell. Results: The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ was demonstrated. Seaweed extract caused dose-dependent inhibition of TBARS (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL) and conjugated dienes formation. The seaweed had a high antioxidant activity in the assays performed. The activity could be related to the phenolic content of Halimeda incrassata. Conclusions: In summary, the results of this study represent a further step in the characterization of the atheroprotective action of Halimeda incrassata and indicate the seaweed could be used for a nutraceutical and/or phytoterapeutic application.Objetivos: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial ateroprotector in vitro del alga Halimeda incrassata en la migración de células de músculo liso de ratón y la oxidación de lipoproteínas en relación con su actividad antioxidante. Material y métodos: La actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante los métodos de inhibición de radicales DPPH y la Capacidad antioxidante total (ORAC). La actividad inhibitoria de la oxidación de LDL mediada por iones Cu2+ se determinó por la cuantificación de TBARS y dienos conjugados. El efecto del extracto acuoso sobre la migración de las células de músculo liso se evaluó en la línea de células de músculo liso aórtica de ratón MOVAS-1. Resultados: Se demostró el efecto inhibidor del extracto sobre la oxidación de LDL mediada por Cu2+. El extracto del alga causa inhibición dosis-dependiente de la formación de TBARS (IC50 = 0,8 mg/mL) y dienos conjugados. Las algas tuvieron una alta actividad antioxidante en los ensayos realizados y podría estar relacionada con el contenido de compuestos fenólicos. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo representan un paso más en la caracterización de la acción ateroprotectora de Halimeda incrassata y evidencian sus posibles aplicaciones como nutracéutico y/o fitofármaco.The research was funded by IFS grant F/4897-1. Partial funding was also provided by CIHR grant MOP24447, the Canadian Research Chair award (D.B.) and a personal grant from GSEP, offered by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (A.C) and CNPq- (Brasil)

Biodiversidad de los LIC Banco de La Concepción y Espacil marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote-Fuerteventura. Especies protegidas y formadoras de hábitats

Two large areas belonging to the Canary Islands marine demarcation are part of the Natura 2000 network as Sites of Community Importance (SCI): “ESZZ15001-Banco de la Concepción” (total area 609,721.92 ha; depth range 158-2,687 m) and “ESZZ15002-Espacio marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote y Fuerteventura” (total area 1,433,248.92 ha; depth range 0-3,300 m). Within the framework of the LIFE INTEMARES IP project, Action A.2.1, and before the designation of these two SCIs as Special Areas of Conservation, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) is responsible for completing information necessary for the development of management plans. In the present study, a general analysis of the biodiversity of the two SCIs is carried out, starting from the updated catalogs, based mainly on previous IEO research and on information from the Canary Islands Biodiversity Data Bank, a comprehensive database of the Regional Government that draws on all current and historical information, backed by documents supervised by specialists. Special emphasis is placed on protected species and habitat forming species, which are considered key elements for management.Dos grandes zonas de la demarcación marina de las islas Canarias forman parte de la Red Natura 2000 como Lugares de Importancia Comunitaria (LIC): “ESZZ15001-Banco de la Concepción” (área total 609.721,92 ha; rango de profundidad 158-2.687 m) y “ESZZ15002-Espacio marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote y Fuerteventura” (área total 1.433.248,92 ha; rango de profundidad 0-3.300 m). El Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO) ha sido encargado de completar la información necesaria para el desarrollo de los planes de gestión, como paso previo a la declaración de estos LIC como Zonas de Especial Conservación, en el marco del proyecto LIFE IP INTEMARES, Acción A.2.1. En el presente trabajo se realiza un análisis general de la biodiversidad de los dos LIC, partiendo de los catálogos actualizados, basados principalmente en investigaciones previas del IEO y en la información del Banco de Datos de Biodiversidad de Canarias, una completa base de datos que recopila toda la información actual e histórica, respaldada por documentos supervisados por especialistas. Se presta una especial atención a las especies protegidas y a las formadoras de hábitats, que son consideradas elementos claves para la gestiónTwo large areas belonging to the Canary Islands marine demarcation are part of the Natura 2000 network as Sites of Community Importance (SCI): “ESZZ15001-Banco de la Concepción” (total area 609,721.92 ha; depth range 158-2,687 m) and “ESZZ15002-Espacio marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote y Fuerteventura” (total area 1,433,248.92 ha; depth range 0-3,300 m). Within the framework of the LIFE INTEMARES IP project, Action A.2.1, and before the designation of these two SCIs as Special Areas of Conservation, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) is responsible for completing information necessary for the development of management plans. In the present study, a general analysis of the biodiversity of the two SCIs is carried out, starting from the updated catalogs, based mainly on previous IEO research and on information from the Canary Islands Biodiversity Data Bank, a comprehensive database of the Regional Government that draws on all current and historical information, backed by documents supervised by specialists. Special emphasis is placed on protected species and habitat forming species, which are considered key elements for management.En prens

Gramine derivatives targeting Ca2+ channels and Ser/Thr phosphatases: A new dual strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

This document is the unedited author's version of a Submitted Work that was subsequently accepted for publication in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry , copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review. To access the final edited and published work, see http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00478We describe the synthesis of gramine derivatives and their pharmacological evaluation as multipotent drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. An innovative multitarget approach is presented, targeting both voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, classically studied for neurodegenerative diseases, and Ser/Thr phosphatases, which have been marginally aimed, even despite their key role in protein τ dephosphorylation. Twenty-five compounds were synthesized, and mostly their neuroprotective profile exceeded that offered by the head compound gramine. In general, these compounds reduced the entry of Ca2+ through VGCC, as measured by Fluo-4/AM and patch clamp techniques, and protected in Ca2+ overload-induced models of neurotoxicity, like glutamate or veratridine exposures. Furthermore, we hypothesize that these compounds decrease τ hyperphosphorylation based on the maintenance of the Ser/Thr phosphatase activity and their neuroprotection against the damage caused by okadaic acid. Hence, we propose this multitarget approach as a new and promising strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseasesThis work was supported by the following grant: Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (PI13/00789, IS Carlos III). R.L.C is granted by Universidad Autónoma de Madri

The submarine volcano eruption at the island of El Hierro: physical-chemical perturbation and biological response

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